The TAB360 from Diamond Multimedia is a universal stand that will work for iPad, iPad Mini, Android, and Windows 8 tablets that fit within the 7″ to 10.1″ size frame. The stand is specifically designed for gamers thanks to the versatile 360-degree rotating stand that mimics a racing wheel. Touted as a “Gyro 360 degree Gaming Wheel Design” the TAB360 features a three-dimensional ball joint driving rod and stable base. The unique design allows it to be a multipurpose device; specifically, it can be used for gaming and for high-quality presentations. Undoubtedly, there are two markets coming together: presentation folks looking for a nice iPad stand, as well as gamers who are looking for a nice stand that can double as a racing wheel. If you have a tablet such as an iPad, Nexus 7, or other 7-10.1″ device and are searching for a professional looking stand and also a great gaming peripheral best used for racing and flight sim games, the Diamond Multimedia TAB360 stand is an interesting buy.

Installation

The unit comes in two pieces inside the box and installation time should take no more than five minutes. Simply connect the base to the wheel, which snaps into place, and the process is basically complete. To mount your tablet, press the button located on the inside of the “wheel” which will extend out the clamps. Insert in the tablet, then with your hands on each clamp, apply pressure towards the middle of the wheel. The clamps will secure the tablet in place. To complete the process, there are dials located at the end of each clamp that should be rotated to secure the tablet in place so it does not get free. Once you are done, press the button once more to free your tablet.

Using the TAB360

TAB360

On the TAB360 there’s a double-sided clamp that lets go with the push of a button, making the process of releasing a tablet extremely easy. As stated before, any 7″ to 10.1″ tablet will fit within the TAB360 stand. Installation is extremely easy and users should be up and running within only a few minutes. Once mounted, the tablet looks quite nice mounted on the stand, fulfilling the promise that the TAB360 is not just meant for gamers. This stand can easily be use primarily for professional displays at businesses or trade booths since it is so versatile (allows one to use any standard sized template) and attractive. If there’s a more solid and versatile design for an iPad Stand, it certainly hasn’t come across this site’s review staff as of yet.

The first impression when using the TAB360 is how stable the stand is during use. Assuming the tablet is properly mounted–which is something users should immediately make a priority–the stand’s stable design will impress. Leaving it on a desk or even a slightly crooked plane will offer no troubles if left on its own, or even during gaming/reading use.

Gaming with the TAB360

To test the TAB360, EA’s newest title (at the time of this review) in the racing genre, Need for Speed: Most Wanted for iOS (as played on an iPad 2), was fired up on a tablet mounted on the TAB360. Placing hands on the TAB360 is very instinctual and gamers of all ages should be able to easily grab the wheel and start driving. In fact, there’s some serious merit in only allowing the little ones to play racing games on a tablet with the TAB360 because of the increased stability and security.

While playing Need for Speed: Most Wanted with the TAB360, the experience is a slight improvement over simply holding the tablet with your hands. The real improvement is with comfort and not necessarily any improvement in gaming skill. That said, the Diamond Multimedia TAB360 is a great device for gamers looking to improve the comfort and security of their gaming tablet device, as opposed to those looking for some improvement of skill. This is an important distinction for those considering the device for purchase. Given the intended purpose of what Diamond Multimedia is trying to accomplish with the TAB360, the device performs very well for those that enjoy racing games and flight sims.

Cost Analysis

The TAB360 standard edition retails for $59.99 USD at various online retailers such as Amazon, NewEgg, or TigerDirect. There’s also a “TAB360BT” edition which we did not review that runs for $20 more and includes Bluetooth speakers that might be worth checking out if that’s an important feature to those looking at purchasing this device. Considering the cost of other stands, it runs a little bit more than the norm, but that’s more than understandable considering the quality of the build and the diversity of use it offers.

Overall Impression

The Diamond Multimedia TAB360 stand is an impressive, versatile product that satisfies the need for a professional performing stand while also improving the overall gaming experience for tablet gamers. The price is a little high for what most people pay for stands, but considering the uniqueness and diversity of use for this high quality stand, it seems pretty justified. Diamond Multimedia has put together a heck of a product if a gamer is looking for a high quality iPad stand, or for any other standard-sized tablet device for that matter.

DIAMOND MULTIMEDIA TAB360 STAND REVIEW

Gaming Illustrated RATING

Overall86%

PRICE VALUE8

At $59.99 the TAB360 certainly isn't cheap, but the cost is justified. If it were $10-$15 cheaper it'd be a much better bargain.

LASTING FACTOR9.5

The TAB360 is designed to last, plus, it's diverse enough to mount *any* 7-10.1" tablet device. This means the TAB360 has a wonderful lasting factor.

PERFORMANCE8.5

As a stand, it performs extremely well and looks very professional. As a gaming peripheral it isn't going to blow you away but does offer an improvement in the comfort department.

Sean Gibson has been the owner and Executive Editor of Gaming Illustrated for over eleven years. His roles include acting as CEO and President of Gaming Illustrated, LLC and also includes being a reviewer, previewer and interviewer. Sean's opinions on this site do not reflect those of his full-time employer.